I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
No man is good enough to govern another man without the other's consent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership requires the consent and support of those being led.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes that no individual possesses the inherent right to govern another without their agreement. It suggests that legitimate authority is derived from the consent of the governed, implying that leadership should be collaborative and rooted in mutual respect rather than coercion or domination.
Themes
LeadershipGovernanceConsentAuthorityRespect
In practice
Example use cases
During a town hall meeting, a politician might quote Lincoln to emphasize the importance of community input in decision-making.
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes βSir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
Abraham LincolnRead
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham LincolnRead
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
Abraham LincolnRead
For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
Abraham LincolnRead
And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
Abraham LincolnRead
Similar quotes
Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals.
T. E. LawrenceRead
On a film set, there are runners who are 19, it's their first job, but to me they're as important as anybody else because if they don't do their job then nobody else can. So I don't think anybody should be treated disrespectfully or as if they're of a lower status.
Jim CarterRead
The responsibility of leadership is not to come up with all the ideas but to create an environment in which great ideas can thrive.
Simon SinekRead
I know that millions of Americans from all walks of life agree with me that leadership does not mean putting the ear to the ground to follow public opinion, but to have the vision of what is necessary and the courage to make it possible.
Shirley ChisholmRead
There are no more excuses for leaving women out of the inner circles of power. Qualified women are everywhere. Women are ready for leadership; they just need to be identified and asked.
Madeleine M. KuninRead
Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq's future is not.
Barack ObamaRead